The hurricane season is upon us, it runs from June 1st through the end of November. To help you prepare I am forwarding the information below about Hurricane Preparedness from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Please feel free to pass this information along to family and friends as you see fit.
In addition, the Office of Environmental, Health and Safety has provided links to important Emergency Preparedness websites that can be accessed via the following: Emergency Preparedness Resources.
Preparing for Hurricanes When preparing for hurricane season and potential emergencies, the needs of all members of a household should be considered. If a household includes a young child, senior citizen or a person with a disability or severe illness, special steps to assist them may be necessary and should be incorporated into all emergency planning. Pets require special handling. Pet owners should research pet boarding facilities now within a certain radius of where they may evacuate, since animals may not be welcome in all shelters or hotels.
The start of hurricane season is also the time to consider flood insurance coverage - most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Not only are homes and businesses in hurricane-prone states at risk for flooding, but inland flooding is common in nearby states. To assess flood risk for a home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.govor call toll-free at 1-888-379-9531.
As the season kicks off, knowing the four terms that meteorologists use when forecasting tropical weather may also help you navigate to safety.
A hurricane watch is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
A hurricane warning is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
A tropical storm watch is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
With the ongoing recovery efforts from the tornadoes and response to areas with flooding, we are reminded that everyone should be prepared to address all hazards, including hurricanes, tornadoes and inland flooding.
Portable Generator Safety Tips
In an emergency, portable electric generators offer lifesaving benefits when outages affect your home or business. They can safely power important electrical equipment such as portable heating units, computers, water pumps, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. However, portable generator use can also be very hazardous. If you plan on using an emergency generator, it’s essential that you take precautions for your safety and the safety of those working to restore power.
The most effective way to avoid portable generator mishaps is to make sure you fully understand the proper operating procedures. Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before operating or maintaining your generator – and don’t forget to use common sense.
Follow these tips for safe portable generator use:
·Always read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions before running generator
·Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows can provide enough fresh air.
·Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors.
·Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area you’re running a generator.
·Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
·Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety.
·Never operate the generator near combustible materials.
·If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations.
·Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
·Generators produce powerful voltage - Never operate under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.
Winter Driving Safety Driving in the winter means changes in the way you drive. Snow, sleet and ice can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions and unforeseen dangers. Keep yourself and your family safe. Prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season.
Weather At any temperature – 20° F below zero or 90° F above zero – weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.Your local radio, TV and newspaper forecasts will give you the most up-to-date information on weather and road conditions.
Prepare Your Vehicle Have your vehicle serviced regularly (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts, faster response on pick-up and passing power, and to prevent major problems.
·You need to check the concentration level of the antifreeze in your vehicle’s engine. This is done by using an antifreeze tester which is inserted into the water reservoir of your car. Do not open the radiator cap! ·Add a stronger windshield cleaning/de-icer fluid solution to keep the spray from freezing. (It is best to use a product that has a cleaner as well. This allows you to dislodge the road grime from the windshield.) ·Check air pressure in your tires (including the spare) and replace any worn tires. (Having proper wheel alignment will lead to a longer life for your tires).
Vehicle Checklist for Winter Weather Before winter starts, check these in your vehicle:
·Heater and windshield defroster ·Battery ·Brakes ·Brake fluid ·Ignition system ·Lights and emergency flashers ·Tires ·Exhaust ·Fuel ·Oil ·Radiator ·Power steering fluid
Keep your fuel tank full or near full to avoid being caught on the road in long lines of slow moving traffic. (This also is a reserve to be able to run the engine and heater if you become stranded). Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time. Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the vehicle. Your kit should include:
Working flashlight and extra batteries
Flares
First aid kit
A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack designed for your vehicle
Tow and tire chains
Jumper cables and a toolkit
Blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves
Brightly colored cloth
A bag of salt, sand or non-clumping kitty litter to use for added traction when a tire is stuck
Compass
Extra washer fluid
Ice scraper, snow brush and shovel
Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
If You Become Stranded
Do not leave your vehicle unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help and are certain you will improve your situation
To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the vehicle a safe distance away
Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna
If you are sure the vehicle's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending on the amount of gas in the tank
Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia; use woolen items and blankets to keep warm
Keep at least one window open slightly as heavy snow and ice can seal a vehicle shut
The LI Youth Safety Coalition is offering a resource conference for all those concerned about sports safety. The challenge of keeping youth physically and ethically safe is daunting. Attached is the registration material which includes an overview of the 17 workshops being offered. Please pass this along to whomever you feel would benefit.
To All, The NCC Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) would like to forward along the following Halloween Safety Tips to ensure that this season is an enjoyable and safe one for all. Remember even if you do not have youngsters who partake in this event you will most likely have children running onto and around your property. Homeowners should do their part to keep their property free of hazards. Please take the time to review the information below and forward along to family and friends as you see fit. Thank you in advance for your time.
Halloween Safety Tips Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that the number of deaths among young pedestrians was four times higher on Halloween evening when compared with the same time period during all other evenings of the year. Halloween poses special risks to young pedestrians. For example, most of the time children spend outdoors is typically during daylight hours. However, Halloween activities often occur after dark. Also, children engaged in "trick or treat" activities frequently cross streets at mid-block rather than at corners or crosswalks, putting them at risk for pedestrian injury. Many parents overestimate children's street-crossing skills. The pedestrian skills of children are limited by several factors related to their physical size and developmental stage. For instance, young children may lack the physical ability to cross a street quickly, and their small size limits their visibility to drivers. Children are likely to choose the shortest rather than the safest route across streets, often darting out between parked cars. In addition, young children do not evaluate potential traffic threats effectively, cannot anticipate driver behavior, and process sensory information more slowly than adults. Homeowners should:
Prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard such as lawn furniture, tools, toys, flower pots, sprinklers, etc.
Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
Provide treats that are individually wrapped or offer kids nonfood treats, such as stickers and erasers. Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Restrain dogs and other pets. Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for excited pets to escape.
When decorating indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could be ignited. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory (e.g. Underwriters Laboratories - UL). Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
Don't overload extension cords.
Parents and Adults should:
Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or- treaters less than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.
Give children an early meal before going out.
Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly and watch for children in the street and on medians.
Provide your child with a cell phone for emergency calls.
Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
Tell Children to:
Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
Take a cell phone in case there is a need to make an emergency call.
Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls.
Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.
Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid walking across yards.
Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks. Masks can obstruct a child's vision.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Costume Tips:
When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame- resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
Consider face paint instead of a mask. However, if your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
If using face paint, make sure it is nontoxic and hypoallergenic. Check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow all manufacturer's instructions.
Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2012/10/29/u-s-declares-alert-at-oyster-creek-nuclear-plant-in-n-j/
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/alert-ends-at-new-jersey-nuclear-plant/story-e6frf7k6-1226507935288
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-29/inspectors-dispatched-to-nuclear-reactors-in-sandy-s-path
World wide map of nuclear power plants:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3DUTF-8%26p%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bnuclear%2Bpower%2Bplants%2Bworld&w=160&h=93&imgurl=www.bing.com%2Fimages%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bnuclear%2Bpower%2Bplants%2Bworld%26id%3DD716EA4BB487DA8F159B2CC43636EC1E03938614&size=&name=search&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fimages%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bnuclear%2Bpower%2Bplants%2Bworld%26id%3DD716EA4BB487DA8F159B2CC43636EC1E03938614&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fimages%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bnuclear%2Bpower%2Bplants%2Bworld%26id%3DD716EA4BB487DA8F159B2CC43636EC1E03938614&p=map+of+nuclear+power+plants+world&type=&no=2&tt=113&oid=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DH.4731912264418831%26pid%3D15.1&tit=Worldwide+map+of+nuclear+power+stations+and+earthquake+zones+%7C+maptd&sigr=13hhgecoe&sigi=13a5o7ts4&sigb=12bf2giu0&fr=yfp-t-575-1
http://www.mappler.net/gasstation/ (keep trying if it crashes)
http://hessexpress.com/FuelInformation (Hess stations only)
A TED Talk on Income Inequality by Nick Hanauer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIhOXCgSunc
http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Current.aspx?location=USVA0731&animate=true
MacBook Air, Ultrabook spell doom for optical drive
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57328194-64/macbook-air-ultrabook-spell-doom-for-optical-drive/
Have you heard about Gulen??
In case you missed this fascinating story on "60 minutes". http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7408418n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox
Lloyd Shapley - co-winner of the Nobel Prize in economics:
"I consider myself a mathematician, and the award is for economics. I never, never in my life took a course in economics."
http://www.ncc.edu/aboutncc/ourpeople/administration/environmentalhealth/emergencypreparednessresources.shtml
As mentioned in my previous email below, the NCC Office of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) website provides internet links to important Emergency Preparedness websites that can be accessed via the following link: Emergency Preparedness Resources.
NCC Safety Tip - Hurricane Preparedness
To All,
The hurricane season is upon us, it runs from June 1st through the end of November. To help you prepare I am forwarding the information below about Hurricane Preparedness from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Please feel free to pass this information along to family and friends as you see fit.
In addition, the Office of Environmental, Health and Safety has provided links to important Emergency Preparedness websites that can be accessed via the following: Emergency Preparedness Resources.
For more preparedness information, please visit www.fema.govand www.Ready.gov.
For the latest information on weather, visit http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/tropical.php
Preparing for Hurricanes
When preparing for hurricane season and potential emergencies, the needs of all members of a household should be considered. If a household includes a young child, senior citizen or a person with a disability or severe illness, special steps to assist them may be necessary and should be incorporated into all emergency planning. Pets require special handling. Pet owners should research pet boarding facilities now within a certain radius of where they may evacuate, since animals may not be welcome in all shelters or hotels.
The start of hurricane season is also the time to consider flood insurance coverage - most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Not only are homes and businesses in hurricane-prone states at risk for flooding, but inland flooding is common in nearby states. To assess flood risk for a home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.govor call toll-free at 1-888-379-9531.
As the season kicks off, knowing the four terms that meteorologists use when forecasting tropical weather may also help you navigate to safety.
A hurricane watch is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
A hurricane warning is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
A tropical storm watch is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
With the ongoing recovery efforts from the tornadoes and response to areas with flooding, we are reminded that everyone should be prepared to address all hazards, including hurricanes, tornadoes and inland flooding.
Portable Generator Safety Tips
In an emergency, portable electric generators offer lifesaving benefits when outages affect your home or business. They can safely power important electrical equipment such as portable heating units, computers, water pumps, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. However, portable generator use can also be very hazardous. If you plan on using an emergency generator, it’s essential that you take precautions for your safety and the safety of those working to restore power.
The most effective way to avoid portable generator mishaps is to make sure you fully understand the proper operating procedures. Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before operating or maintaining your generator – and don’t forget to use common sense.
Follow these tips for safe portable generator use:
·Always read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions before running generator
·Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows can provide enough fresh air.
·Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors.
·Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area you’re running a generator.
·Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
·Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety.
·Never operate the generator near combustible materials.
·If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations.
·Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
·Generators produce powerful voltage - Never operate under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.
Winter Driving Safety
Driving in the winter means changes in the way you drive. Snow, sleet and ice can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions and unforeseen dangers. Keep yourself and your family safe. Prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season.
Weather
At any temperature – 20° F below zero or 90° F above zero – weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.Your local radio, TV and newspaper forecasts will give you the most up-to-date information on weather and road conditions.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Have your vehicle serviced regularly (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts, faster response on pick-up and passing power, and to prevent major problems.
·You need to check the concentration level of the antifreeze in your vehicle’s engine. This is done by using an antifreeze tester which is inserted into the water reservoir of your car. Do not open the radiator cap!
·Add a stronger windshield cleaning/de-icer fluid solution to keep the spray from freezing. (It is best to use a product that has a cleaner as well. This allows you to dislodge the road grime from the windshield.)
·Check air pressure in your tires (including the spare) and replace any worn tires. (Having proper wheel alignment will lead to a longer life for your tires).
Vehicle Checklist for Winter Weather
Before winter starts, check these in your vehicle:
·Heater and windshield defroster
·Battery
·Brakes
·Brake fluid
·Ignition system
·Lights and emergency flashers
·Tires
·Exhaust
·Fuel
·Oil
·Radiator
·Power steering fluid
Keep your fuel tank full or near full to avoid being caught on the road in long lines of slow moving traffic. (This also is a reserve to be able to run the engine and heater if you become stranded). Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time. Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the vehicle. Your kit should include:
If You Become Stranded
Red Cross/FEMA Document: Repairing Your Flooded Home
Sports Safety Conference - Dec 6
The LI Youth Safety Coalition is offering a resource conference for all those concerned about sports safety. The challenge of keeping youth physically and ethically safe is daunting. Attached is the registration material which includes an overview of the 17 workshops being offered. Please pass this along to whomever you feel would benefit.
NCC EHS Safety Tip - Halloween Safety
To All,
The NCC Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) would like to forward along the following Halloween Safety Tips to ensure that this season is an enjoyable and safe one for all. Remember even if you do not have youngsters who partake in this event you will most likely have children running onto and around your property. Homeowners should do their part to keep their property free of hazards. Please take the time to review the information below and forward along to family and friends as you see fit. Thank you in advance for your time.
Halloween Safety Tips
Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that the number of deaths among young pedestrians was four times higher on Halloween evening when compared with the same time period during all other evenings of the year. Halloween poses special risks to young pedestrians. For example, most of the time children spend outdoors is typically during daylight hours. However, Halloween activities often occur after dark. Also, children engaged in "trick or treat" activities frequently cross streets at mid-block rather than at corners or crosswalks, putting them at risk for pedestrian injury.
Many parents overestimate children's street-crossing skills. The pedestrian skills of children are limited by several factors related to their physical size and developmental stage. For instance, young children may lack the physical ability to cross a street quickly, and their small size limits their visibility to drivers. Children are likely to choose the shortest rather than the safest route across streets, often darting out between parked cars. In addition, young children do not evaluate potential traffic threats effectively, cannot anticipate driver behavior, and process sensory information more slowly than adults.
Homeowners should:
Parents and Adults should:
- Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or- treaters less than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.
- Give children an early meal before going out.
- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
- Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
- Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
- Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
- Drive slowly and watch for children in the street and on medians.
- Provide your child with a cell phone for emergency calls.
- Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
Tell Children to:Costume Tips: